Wolverhampton to turn Orange and say ‘no’ to interpersonal violence

The annual Orange Wolverhampton campaign, which begins on Monday, November 25, aims to raise awareness of the city’s continuing drive to end domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called honour-based violence, sexual violence and stalking and harassment.

At the same time, it highlights the advice and support that is available to victims from local and national organisations such as The Haven Wolverhampton, St George's Hub, Karma Nirvana and the City of Wolverhampton Council.

The campaign runs from November 25, the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, until December 10, UN Human Rights Day, and supports the UN Orange the World campaign to end violence against women and girls. In Wolverhampton, there is a strong focus on ending interpersonal violence against all individuals, whether they are female or male.

This year’s campaign includes a variety of online and in-person events to enable as many people as possible to get involved, and will begin with a flag raising ceremony outside the Civic Centre on November 25, at 11am. All are welcome.

There will be an Orange Wolverhampton information point at the Mander Centre on Monday and Tuesday, 2 and 3 December, between 10.30am and 4.30pm, raising awareness and handing out ribbons.

There are also craft workshops with Changing Lives, a series of virtual Lunch and Learn sessions with The Haven Wolverhampton, ROSHNI, Black Country Women's Aid, DORCAS and Changing Lives, virtual Spotlight Sessions on domestic violence with Sikh Women's Aid and drop-in session with Wolverhampton Homes, DORCAS and ROSHNI.

A Round Table Event for male survivors and professionals will be hosted by St George's Hub, which is also holding a workshop to help identify the hidden male victims of honour-based violence.

Wolverhampton's Domestic Abuse Champions will be at Wednesfield Library on Friday, November 29, to talk to people about any concerns they may have in confidence, and Orange Wolverhampton runners will be taking part in the parkruns at West Park and East Park during the 16 days of activism.

The programme ends with an Orange Walk led by ROSHNI on Tuesday, December 10, through the city. Full details of the events will be added to the Orange Wolverhampton website, www.orangewolves.net in the coming days. 

Scores of organisations across Wolverhampton are set to support this year’s campaign in a range of ways, from holding ‘wear orange’ days, wearing orange pin badges, turning their websites and social media channels orange, lighting their buildings orange, flying orange flags, sharing key messages about the campaign with staff, customers and service users, and much more.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is a great way for us to all say ‘no’ to interpersonal violence and help raise awareness of the advice and support available to victims and survivors in Wolverhampton.

“We’re hoping that thousands of people will get involved again this year, perhaps by holding or joining one of the many events that will be taking place across the city, or visiting the Orange Wolverhampton information stand in the Mander Centre on 2 and 3 December.”

A spokesperson for Wolverhampton Council, said: "The Orange Wolverhampton campaign is co-ordinated by Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, the Safer Wolverhampton Partnership, Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action, and the council.

"For more information and to sign up to this year’s campaign, please visit the Orange Wolverhampton website at www.orangewolves.net to find details of events and resources, and to add any events you or your organisation is planning."

Anyone suffering from domestic violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour-based’ violence or sexual violence, or knows someone who is, should call the relevant helpline:

• The Haven Wolverhampton 24-hour helpline for women - 08000 194400

• St George’s Hub support for male victims - 01902 421904

• Karma Nirvana helpline for victims of so-called ‘honour-based’ violence and forced marriage - 0800 5999 247

• Wolverhampton Adult Social Care - 01902 551199

• Wolverhampton Children's Social Care - 01902 555392

• West Midlands Forced Marriage and Honour-Based Violence Helpline - 0800 953 9777

• National Domestic Violence helpline for women - 0808 2000 247

• National Domestic Violence helpline for men - 0808 8010327

• NSPCC Female Genital Mutilation helpline - 0800 028 3550

• In an emergency, always call police on 999.

For more information about the work of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, please visit here.